Manila – Only 353 out of 4,051 barangays in Western Visayas are yet to be declared drug-cleared, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Ma. Graziella B. Tanaleon, PDEA information officer, expressed optimism about further reducing this number after the Regional Oversight Committee's final deliberation for the Barangay Drug Clearing Program, scheduled for December 14 in Iloilo City.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 40 barangays currently under consideration for drug-cleared status are located in Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, Capiz, and Iloilo. The remaining barangays yet to be cleared include 2 in Antique, 21 in Iloilo province, 38 in Capiz, 160 in Negros Occidental, 86 in Iloilo City, and 46 in Bacolod City. Tanaleon highlighted ongoing capability training for anti-drug abuse councils (ADACs) in barangays, as they play a crucial role in the drug clearing process.
As of Thursday, 91.25 percent of barangays, equivalent to 3,698, have been cleared of illegal drugs. PDEA ensures rigorous compliance with the Dangerous Drugs Board's parameters for drug clearing. Remaining challenges in achieving full clearance include the rehabilitation of drug personalities, completion of reformation programs for small-time pushers, and ongoing validation and anti-drug operations by PDEA's intelligence units.
